Arrest and Update in the Murder of Kiesha Jenkins

Last week, 22-year-old Kiesha Jenkins was murdered in Philadelphia. Kiesha was a trans woman of color and a student at Temple University. Kiesha, known to some as Kesh, was the victim in an ugly violent attack. Police have not made any arrests as of yet, but they are considering she was the victim of a robbery gone wrong. Kiesha was ambushed by six men and shot at short-range twice, dying in the streets as her friends tried to help. Several of her friends spoke to the Philly Daily News, providing details about her death as well as insight into how she lived her life. (Note – in the linked story, Kiesha’s family refers to her using male pronouns and her old name.)

Temple’s Queer People of Color student organization has scheduled a vigil in her memory on Monday, October 12 at 7 PM. A group of her personal friends gathered this past Friday to honor her life and mourn her death.

Kiesha’s family has schedule a funeral for Saturday, October 17 in Philadelphia. I’m not posting the image because again it uses her old name and a photo. But some of you may be interested in paying your respects, so you can find it here.

Police have made an arrest – Pedro Redding, 24, has been charged with murder, conspiracy and weapons charges. He was arraigned and held over for a preliminary hearing without bail. According to the Philly Gay News, Redding is not thought to be the shooter and police are looking for at least three other known men. I was glad to read that a tip led to this arrest. A tip means people are speaking out for Kiesha.

A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this crime. If you have any information, call police at 215-686-TIPS, or the homicide unit at 215-686-3334.